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Scorchers prized WBBL recruit Chamari Athapaththu plays last game for Perth as rain ruins SA contest

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Eliza ReillyThe West Australian
Chamari Athapaththu has played her last match for Perth this summer.
Camera IconChamari Athapaththu has played her last match for Perth this summer. Credit: Mark Brake/Getty Images

A record third-wicket partnership between Beth Mooney and Chamari Athapaththu was ultimately in vain with the Scorchers WBBL match against Sydney Thunder abandoned due to rain and news the Sri Lankan has played her last game for Perth this summer.

Athapaththu (70 not out) finally found form with the bat, hitting eight fours and two sixes to record her highest total for the season and her WBBL career.

But the Sri Lankan captain won’t be able to build on her newfound form as the 31-year-old prepares to travel to Zimbabwe for the ODI World Cup Qualifier.

Chamari Athapaththu has played her last game for Perth.
Camera IconChamari Athapaththu has played her last game for Perth. Credit: Mark Brake/Getty Images

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“Unfortunately we won’t see it again but she batted really well,” Mooney said.

“When she plays nice and straight and hits the ball hard, she’s one of the best going around. She’s gone away from that a bit in recent games but it was nice to see her score some runs.”

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After joining forces in the seventh over, Athapaththu and Mooney (82 not out) combined for an unbeaten 135, the highest third-wicket partnership in WBBL history.

Captain Sophie Devine (16) and Chloe Piparo (10) played fleeting roles in the run chase as the Scorchers posted 2-184 from their 20 overs.

It would’ve taken a momentous effort from the Thunder who are battling on the bottom of the table after winning the title last summer.

And after a four off her first ball, opener Hannah Darlington was bowled by Scorchers quick Marizanne Kapp – the dismal marking her 100th WBBL wicket.

Marianne Kapp celebrates her 100th WBBL wicket.
Camera IconMarianne Kapp celebrates her 100th WBBL wicket. Credit: Mark Brake/Getty Images

But rain forced the match to be postponed when the Thunder were 1-21 and the players were ultimately unable to return to the field.

“It is hugely disappointing. You want to finish games that you start,” Mooney said.

“The rain around meant we were prepared for it to try and get five overs in and make a game of it but we were a long way off even when the rain started.

“We were probably on the wrong side of the ledger if it got to the five over mark so we’ll take the points and move onto the next one.

Beth Mooney top scored with 82 not out.
Camera IconBeth Mooney top scored with 82 not out. Credit: Mark Brake/Getty Images

Despite the departure of one of their imports, Perth will back their current list to see out the tournament as the Scorchers prepare for their final three matches starting with Adelaide Strikers on Wednesday.

“It will be really nice in these remaining games for our batters to step up and grab three more wins,” Mooney said.

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